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Polling the frontline

Gen Z鈥檚 training and skills gaps

The youngest workers want engaging, role-specific learning and growth opportunities. But without relevant tools and training, they lack the skills and confidence to get the job done. The result? Burnout, embarrassment, inconsistent execution and the threat of increased turnover that hurts workers鈥攁nd businesses.

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77% of Gen Z workers have faced situations where they don't have the skills to do their job.

Skill gaps are common and damaging

When skills gaps surface, it doesn鈥檛 just slow them down鈥攊t takes a toll, leaving young workers feeling unsupported and exposed:

  • 62% feel overwhelmed
  • 53% feel embarrassed
  • 14% have thought about quitting

Gen Z workers want to do a good job. But skill gaps are leaving them exposed, frustrated and ready to leave.

The consequences: burnout, disengagement & turnover

This isn鈥檛 about a lack of employee effort鈥攊t鈥檚 about a lack of preparation and crucial frontline support. When workers feel unprepared, the fallout is real.

Unchecked skills gaps are eroding confidence and pushing Gen Z workers to reconsider their roles, threatening both retention and daily performance.

Training is missing the mark

Training coverage: General company overview: 73%, Job-specific skills: 69%, Safety protocols: 67%, Soft skills: 52%.

When training does happen, it鈥檚 often too generic, brief or boring. It leaves workers without the practical knowledge or confidence they need to succeed on the job.

  • 86% of Gen Z frontline workers say their training technically covers what it should鈥 but:
  • 35% say the only real training they received was during onboarding
  • 34% say training is boring or not engaging
  • 31% say onboarding was rushed or too short

When early experiences with training fall short, workers are more likely to feel unprepared, disconnected鈥攁nd ultimately, unsupported.

Training is too one-and-done, too generic and too disconnected from real-life challenges. Workers need skill-building that鈥檚 ongoing, relevant and helps them develop confidence as they enter the workforce.

Gen Z is asking for better training鈥攁nd the potential upside is huge

When asked what would change if they received more relevant, engaging training, Gen Z frontline workers were clear: it would make a difference in how they feel, perform and grow at work.

With better training:

  • 90% would feel more confident on the job
  • 89% would be better equipped to handle tough situations
  • 82% would be more productive
  • 81% would stay longer in their roles
  • 78% would see new career paths open up
  • 67% would experience less burnout

These aren鈥檛 perks鈥攖hey鈥檙e essentials. The data shows that the right kind of training doesn鈥檛 just teach skills. It unlocks confidence, motivation and staying power.

What they want from training now: Role-specific, career-focused training (50%). Scenario-based learning (44%). Peer collaboration and refreshers (36%). Short videos and mobile-accessible (35%). Interactive quizzes and games (34%).
“Their asks are practical and actionable: training that prepares them to show up, feel ready and succeed every day.”

Explore more frontline training insights to build the next generation of high-performing workers

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